WO2007083150A1

WO2007083150A1 - Portable viewing stand

Info

Publication number: WO2007083150A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000200
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Lyle Warke
Original assignee: Warke William L
Priority date: 2006-01-23
Filing date: 2007-01-23
Publication date: 2007-07-26
Also published as: GB0601308D0

Abstract

A portable viewing stand (101 ) comprises a means (14) for supporting an electronic display unit (1), battery means (26) for providing power to an electronic display unit (1) mountable on the support means (14) and means(12, 12, 8, 7) for delivering power from the battery means (26) to an electronic display unit (1) mountable on the support means (14).

Description

PORTABLE VIEWING STAND

The present invention relates to a portable viewing stand and in particular to a portable viewing stand for use at an exhibition where access to power is a considerable logistical problem.

Marketing is an important part of every business and with ever growing competition for market share it is becoming increasingly difficult to capture the attention of the general public and to illustrate products with efficiency. Exhibitions play a major part in exposing products to potential customers. Product literature displays have been the normal means of portraying products and more recently exhibitors are utilising new technologies in video production to better demonstrate their products.

Product literature usually accompanies the item on display and ideally video footage is playing alongside the literature. Most exhibitors, however, due to the bulky nature of the equipment and the routing of electrical cables, find themselves restricted to a single monitor which may or may not be playing the item that would capture the customer's attention while the customer is visiting the stand or during their visit which, in busy lifestyles, may be a brief one.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the difficulties associated with electrical cables at exhibitions where demand for power is at a premium and the limitations this imposes on the number of electronic display screens available to exhibitors. Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable viewing stand comprising a means for supporting an electronic display unit, battery means for providing power to an electronic display unit mountable on the support means and means for delivering power from the battery means to an electronic display unit mountable on the support means.

Ideally, the battery means is capable of supplying power for an extended period of time beyond an electronic display unit's own battery run time.

Preferably, the battery means is capable of supplying power to an electronic display unit operating at its maximum power rating for at least eight hours.

Advantageously, the portable viewing stand removes the need for an exhibitor to organise electrical mains cabling to provide power points for any number of electronic units to be used at their stand at the exhibition. It additionally provides the facility for a number of independently powered portable v iewing stands to be used each powering a separate electronic display unit. The display devices can then simultaneously show one product from the exhibitor's product range continuously so that a customer can concentrate on the product that interests them. This mitigates against the risk of a single electronic display unit showing a product in which a passing customer has no interest which can be a crucial lost opportunity when the window of opportunity is so short at often expensive exhibitions.

Preferably, the support means is mechanically coupled to the battery means by a spacer means.

Preferably, the spacer means is a shaft. Ideally, the shaft is telescopic.

Ideally, the electronic display unit support means comprises a panel for carrying an electronic device.

Preferably, the electronic display unit support means has securing means for releasably retaining an electronic display unit on the panel. Ideally, the battery means comprises a stand alone battery capable of powering an electronic display unit for at least eight hours continuously.

Preferably, the stand alone battery is a vehicle battery. Advantageously, a fully charged vehicle battery can power an electronic display unit, such as a DVD player operating a video application for between thirty and fifty hours. This allows the exhibitor to run the or each electronic display unit continuously during a three or four day exhibition without the need for any mains power.

Ideally, the power delivery means comprises a power socket electrically coupled to the battery and a cable having a first plug insertable into the power socket and a second plug insertable into the electronic display unit. Ideally, the battery is housed in a container. Advantageously, the container provides an aesthetic cover for the battery as well as providing a structural support for the spacer means. Advantageously, the battery acts as ballast for the entire portable viewing stand.

Preferably, the battery is concealed by a container comprising a battery base and a battery cover. Ideally, the battery is held in position on the battery base by a battery bridge which supports the spacer in the form of a swivel column shaft.

Preferably, the battery bridge has a column pillar bolt attached thereto. Ideally, the power delivery arrangement comprises battery power cords connecting the battery terminals to a power socket into which a first power plug of the cable is inserted.

Preferably, the cable is routed up a hollow centre of the swivel column shaft to the electronic display unit.

Ideally, the battery cover is placed over the battery with the column pillar bolt protruding through a central hole in an upper portion of the battery cover.

Preferably, a column pillar is threaded onto the column pillar bolt and the column pillar clamps the battery cover to the battery base.

Ideally, swivel column shaft has a swivel limit lug attached to its lower end.

Preferably, the swivel column shaft slides onto the column pillar with the swivel limit lug resting on the uppermost surface of the battery cover.

Ideally, a column retainer plate is mounted on the upper portion of the battery cover and spaced apart from the upper portion defining a gap there between.

Preferably, the swivel limit lug is located to protrude into the gap between the underside of column retainer plate and the upper portion of the battery cover. Ideally, swivel limit pins are inserted through holes which are provided in the upper portion of the battery cover and the column retainer plate.

Preferably, the swivel limit pins are positioned to prevent the removal of the swivel column shaft by restricting its rotation within the gap thereby preventing removal of the shaft by contact between the swivel limit lug and the underside of the column retainer plate. The column retainer plate captivates the swivel limit lug preventing the swivel column shaft from being withdrawn from the column pillar. The portion of swivel within the restriction enables the electronic display unit to be rotated to the most effective viewing position by an operator.

Ideally, the support member for the electronic display unit has a panel for carrying the unit and a brochure tray depending from the panel. Preferably, the upper end of the swivel column shaft is attached to an underside of the brochure tray.

Ideally, the electronic display unit is captured at its foremost corners by appliance holding brackets mounted on the panel.

Preferably, a rearward portion of the electronic display unit is retained by an appliance locking bracket.

Ideally, the locking bracket contains two rear locking tabs and two side locking tabs.

Preferably, the locking tabs protrude through rear locking tab slots and side locking tab slots formed in the platform respectively. Once inserted, the locking bracket is pushed sideways to enable the locking tabs to be engaged with the platform.

Ideally, a locking spacer is inserted between the side of the electronic display unit and the side member of the locking bracket, thus preventing sideways movement of the electronic display unit and thereby unwanted removal. Preferably, an accessory tray is located below the platform and provides a useful storage area for DVDs.

Ideally, a further area is provided on the under-surface of the platform for storing a remote control appliance for the electronic display unit. The brochure tray is positioned to enable easy access and viewing of brochures from the same viewpoint and at a similar angle to the screen of the electronic display unit.

Preferably, the battery cover contains retractable handles to enable the handling of the heavy battery. Advantageously, the heavy battery provides a sturdy and secure base for the portable viewing stand.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example of four embodiments of a portable viewing stand in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the portable viewing stand;

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of a perspective view of the battery and power socket as shown in Figure 1 with the battery container removed; Figure 3 is an enlarged detail of a perspective view of the battery container and shaft as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a detail view of the electronic display unit support member as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a portable viewing stand according to a second embodiment;

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the portable viewing stand as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail of a front perspective view of the bottom of the stand as shown in Figure 5, a back cover of the housing being removed for clarity; Figure 8 is an enlarged detail of a rear perspective view of the top of the stand with the literature tray and viewing screen in an exploded relationship with the stand;

Figure 9 is a further enlarged detail of the viewing screen shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a portable viewing stand according to a third embodiment; Figure 1 1 is a rear perspective view of the stand as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an enlarged detail of a front perspective view of the bottom of the stand shown in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is an enlarged detail of a rear perspective view of the top of the stand with the literature tray and viewing screen in an exploded relation ship with the stand; Figure 14 is a rear perspective view from one side of a stand according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view from an opposite side of the stand shown in Figure 14.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 and Fig. 2, there is shown according to a first embodiment a portable viewing stand indicated generall y by the reference numeral 101 . The portable viewing stand 101 has a support member indicated generally by the reference numeral 201 for supporting an electronic display unit 1 , a battery 26 for providing power to the electronic display unit 1 mounted on the support member 201 and a power delivery arrangement for delivering power from the battery 26 to the electronic display unit 1 mounted on the support member 201 . The battery 26 is capable of supplying power for an extended period of time beyond the electronic display unit's own battery run time. The battery 26 is capable of supplying power to an electronic display unit operating at a maximum power rating for at least eight hours.

The battery 26 is housed in a container 102 comprising a battery base 24 and a battery cover 11. The battery 26 is held in position on the battery base 24 by a battery bridge 25 which supports a spacer in the form of a swivel column shaft 6. The uppermost surface of the battery bridge 25 has a column pillar bolt 23 attached thereto. The power delivery arrangement comprises battery power cords 12 connecting the battery terminals 104 to a power socket 13 into which a first power plug 8 of cable 7 is inserted. Cable 7 is routed up the hollow centre of the swivel column shaft 6 to the electronic display unit 1.

With reference to Fig 3, the battery cover 11 is placed over the battery 26 with column pillar bolt 23 protruding through a central hole in the upper portion of the battery cover 11. A column pillar 20 is threaded onto the column pillar bolt 23 and the column pillar 20 clamps the battery cover 11 to the battery base 24. Swivel column shaft 6 has a swivel limit lug 21 attached to its lower end. The swivel column shaft 6 slides onto the column pillar 20 with the swivel limit lug 21 resting on the uppermost face of the battery cover 11. A column retainer plate 22 is mounted on the upper portion of the battery cover 11 and spaced apart from the upper portion defining a gap there between. The swivel limit lug 21 is located to protrude into the gap between the underside of column retainer plate 22 and the upper portion of the battery cover 11. Swivel limit pins 9 are inserted through and secured in holes which are provided in the upper portion of the battery cover 11 and the column retainer plate 22. The swivel limit pins 9 are positioned to prevent the removal of the swivel column shaft 6 by restricting its rotation within the gap thereby preventing removal of the shaft 6 by contact between the swivel limit lug 21 and the underside of the column retainer plate 22. The column retainer plate 22 captivates the swivel limit lug 21 preventing the swivel column shaft 6 from being withdrawn from the column pillar 20. The portion of swivel within the restriction enables the electronic display unit 1 to be rotated to the most effective viewing position by an operator. Referring now to Figure 4, the support member 201 for the electronic display unit 1 has a platform 14 for carrying the unit 1 and a brochure tray 5 depends from the platform 14. The upper end of the swivel column shaft 6 is attached to an underside of the brochure tray 5, see Fig. 1. The electronic display unit 1 is captured at its foremost corners by appliance holding brackets 2 mounted on the panel 14. A rearward portion of the electronic display unit 1 is retained by appliance locking bracket 3. The locking bracket 3 contains two rear locking tabs 16 and two side locking tabs 17. The locking tabs 16, 17 protrude through rear locking tab slots 18 and side locking tab slots 19 formed in the platform 14 respectively and once inserted, the locking bracket 3 is pushed sideways to enable the locking tabs 16, 17 to be engaged with the platform 14. Locking spacer 15 is inserted between the side of the electronic display unit 1 and the side member 105 of the locking bracket 3, thus preventing sideways movement of the electronic display unit 1 and thereby unwanted removal. Locking space ejection holes 27 are provided and positioned to enable the said locking spacer 15 to be ejected by inserting the swivel limit pin 9 into the ejection holes 27 which can be utilised for this purpose.

Referring to Fig. 1 , an accessory tray 4 is located below the platform 14 and provides a useful storage area for DVDs etc and a further area 107 is provided on the under-surface of the platform 14 for storing a remote control appliance for the electronic display unit 1. The brochure tray 5 is positioned to enable easy access and viewing of brochures from the same viewpoint and at a similar angle to the screen 202 of the electronic display unit 1. The battery cover 11 contains handles 10 which may be hinged or retractable to enable the handling of the heavy battery 26. The heavy battery 26 provides a sturdy and secure base for the portable viewing stand 101 .

The electronic display unit can be in the form of a flat viewing screen 301 as opposed to hinging or laptop type units and three further embodiments are shown and described in using the flat viewing screen.

In the second embodiment, the stand which would be suitable for a retail type environment is illustrated in Figures 5 to 9.

The stand 380 comprises an upright cranked shank 303 at the base of which is the battery housing 304 and cover 304A. The upper end of the shank 303 has a means for mounting a viewing screen 301 and the central portion above the crank has a means of attaching a literature tray 302. Two ground-engaging wheels 305 are mounted on the housing 304 as shown with a handle 307 located above the crank on the shank 303 for balance on level surfaces and to negotiate inclines or stairs. Foot pads 306 are incorporated foremost of the said wheels 305 for stability when static. The battery 308 is secured in the housing 304 by a strap 313 (Figure 7). Battery terminals 311 are connected by power cables 310 through hollow shank 303 to the viewing screen 301 . Power cables 310 are also connected to a charging socket 209 to facilitate recharging of the battery without removing the said battery cover 304. The upper end of the shank 303 has a mounting plate 319 to enable the attachment of the viewing screen 301. The central portion of the shank 303 has a means to attach literature tray 302 via a tray mounting sleeve 316. The attachment means comprises the outer end of the literature tray shank 315 being internally screw threaded and inserted through the tray mounting sleeve 316 and secured by attachment clamp knob 314 having a threaded spindle to engage the screw threads of said outer end.

A screen backing plate 322 is fixed to the said viewing screen 301 . A screen locking plate 320 is fixed to the said screen backing plate 322 in a manner so as to leave a gap between the screen backing plate 322 and the screen locating plate 320. Likewise a screen keeper plate 321 is fixed to a screen mounting plate 319 in a manner so as to leave a gap between the screen keeper plate 321 and the screen mounting plate 310. The viewing screen 301 is attached to the said screen mounting plate 319 by sliding the screen locating plate 320 into the cavity between the screen keeper plate 321 and the screen mounting plate 319. Tapered sides of the said screen keeper plate 321 located on corresponding tapered sides in the cavity behind the locating plate 321 to create a positive location which at the same time easing the insertion and withdrawal of the screen locating plate 320 for easy attachment and removal of the viewing screen 301 . When the viewing screen 301 is attached to the screen mounting plate 319, it is secured by tightening an attachment clamp knob 314. for additional securing the said viewing screen can be padlocked to the said screen mounting plate 319 yja an aligned aperture in the padlock lugs 318 when the lugs 318 are in registry. In a third embodiment, the stand which would be suitable in a trade or commercial environment is illustrated in Figures 10 to 13. Like parts are denoted by like numerals. In this embodiment, the housing 304 is smaller and raised off the ground by two laterally positioned legs as shown. The wheels 305 and the foot pads 306 are mounted on the legs as shown. The handle extends from both sides of the shank as shown in Figure 10.

In a fourth embodiment, the viewing screen 301 is for use for desk or countertop purposes is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. In this embodiment, like parts are denoted by like numerals. The support means in this case is a desk body 324 and a desk stand 325 as shown, the desk stand 325 being pivotable between an open (as shown) and closed position relative to the desk body 324. A handle is provided at the top of the body as shown. In this embodiment, the battery housing is separate and located under the desk.

The stand as described in these three embodiments is used in substantially the same manner as for the stand of the first embodiment. Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention described above and as claimed hereinafter.

Claims

1. A portable viewing stand comprising a means for supporting an electronic display unit, battery means for providing power to an electronic display unit mountable on the support means and means for delivering power from the battery means to an electronic display unit mountable on the support means.

2. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the battery means is capable of supplying power for an extended period of time beyond an electronic display unit's own battery run time.

3. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 2, wherein, the battery means is capable of supplying power to an electronic display unit operating at its maximum power rating for at least eight hours.

4. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the support means is mechanically coupled to the battery means by a spacer means.

5. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the spacer means is a shaft.

6. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the shaft is telescopic.

7. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic display unit support means comprises a panel for carrying an electronic device.

8. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the electronic display unit support means has securing means for releasably retaining an electronic display unit on the panel.

9. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery means comprises a stand alone battery capable of powering an electronic display unit for at least eight hours continuously.

10. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the stand alone battery is a vehicle battery.

11. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power delivery means comprises a power socket electrically coupled to the battery and a cable having a first plug insertable into the power socket and a second plug insertable into the electronic display unit.

12. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claims 9, 10 or 1 1 , wherein the battery is housed in a container.

13. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the container comprising a battery base and a battery cover.

14. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the battery is held in position on the battery base by a battery bridge which supports the spacer in the form of a swivel column shaft.

15. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the battery bridge has a column pillar bolt attached thereto.

16. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 15, wherein the power delivery arrangement comprises battery power cords connecting the battery terminals to a power socket into which a first power plug of the cable is inserted.

17. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein the cable is routed up a hollow centre of the swivel column shaft to the electronic display unit.

18. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the battery cover is placed over the battery with the column pillar bolt protruding through a central hole in an upper portion of the battery cover.

19. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, wherein a column pillar is threaded onto the column pillar bolt and the column pillar clamps the battery cover to the battery base.

20. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein the swivel column shaft has a swivel limit lug attached to its lower end.

21. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the swivel column shaft slides onto the column pillar with the swivel limit lug resting on the uppermost surface of the battery cover.

22. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 20 or 21 , wherein a column retainer plate is mounted on the upper portion of the battery cover and spaced apart from the upper portion defining a gap there between.

23. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the swivel limit lug is located to protrude into the gap between the underside of column retainer plate and the upper portion of the battery cover.

24. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 20 to 23, wherein swivel limit pins are inserted through holes provided in the upper portion of the battery cover and the column retainer plate.

25. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the swivel limit pins are positioned to prevent the removal of the swivel column shaft by restricting its rotation within the gap thereby preventing removal of the shaft by contact between the swivel limit lug and the underside of the column retainer plate.

26. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the column retainer plate captivates the swivel limit lug preventing the swivel column shaft from being withdrawn from the column pillar.

27. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the portion of swivel within the restriction enables the electronic display unit to be rotated to the most effective viewing position by an operator.

28. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means for the electronic display unit has a platform for carrying the unit and a brochure tray depending from the platform.

29. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the upper end of the swivel column shaft is attached to an underside of the brochure tray.

30. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 28 or 29, wherein the electronic display unit is captured at its foremost corners by appliance holding brackets mounted on the panel.

31. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 30, wherein a rearward portion of the electronic display unit is retained by an appliance locking bracket.

32. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 31 , wherein the locking bracket contains two rear locking tabs and two side locking tabs.

33. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the locking tabs protrude through rear locking tab slots and side locking tab slots formed in the platform respectively.

34. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 32 or 33, wherein, once inserted, the locking bracket is pushed sideways to enable the locking tabs to be engaged with the platform.

35. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 34, wherein a locking spacer is inserted between the side of the electronic display unit and a side member of the locking bracket, thus preventing sideways movement of the electronic display unit and thereby unwanted removal.

36. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 28 to 35, wherein an accessory tray is located below the platform and provides a useful storage area for DVDs.

37. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 36, wherein a further area is provided on the under-surface of the platform for storing a remote control appliance for the electronic display unit.

38. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 37, wherein the battery cover contains handles to enable the handling of the heavy battery.

39. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery container is spaced of the ground by two legs laterally positioned thereon.

40. A portable viewing stand as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, or in Claim 39, wherein the battery container or the legs for the battery container are provided with two ground-engaging wheels and two foot pads.

41. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 40, wherein a handle is provided on the support means to assist in moving the stand on the wheels when the stand is pivoted relative to the wheels.

42. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the support means is a desk stand.

43. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 42, wherein the desk stand is a desk body having a desk stand pivoted thereto.

44. A portable viewing stand as claimed in Claim 43, wherein a lifting handle is provided on the desk body.

45. A portable viewing stand substantially as hereinbefore described and as shown in Figures 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 13, or 14 and 15 of the accompanying drawings.